LA PLATA, Md. (Sept. 2, 2009)—Michael Samuel Gozzi, 21, Jerrod Lamont Benson, 18, and Brittany Groves, 17, all of Waldorf, were arrested in connection with three citizen armed robberies that occurred on Aug. 31 in Waldorf. One suspect, a male, remains unidentified and at large.
Citing the arrests, Sheriff Coffey said good, solid police work led to the arrests of the suspects who committed the robberies in a short span of time. "We had good descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle they used during the robberies. Officers set up a perimeter and conducted a massive search until they located the car and the suspects," said Sheriff Coffey.
The robberies began shortly before 8 p.m. when the male suspects approached a man near the intersection of Barrington Road and Brandon Road, displayed a gun, and demanded money. During the robbery, the suspects attempted to punch the victim and strike him with the gun. They fled the scene in a dark-colored Acura being driven by the female suspect. The victim said nothing was stolen.
At about 9:13 p.m., the suspects approached a woman near a path on Hamilton Place, displayed a gun, and stole her money and cigarettes.
At 10:25 p.m., the suspects approached a man near Smallwood Drive and St. Patrick's Drive, pointed a gun at him and searched his pockets. They stole several items including a cigarette tin and a cell phone.
Patrol officers and a K-9 team responded, established a perimeter and located the suspect's car nearby. As officers initiated a traffic stop, four occupants jumped out of the car. Two of the occupants, Groves and Gozzi, were arrested on the scene. Benson was apprehended on Lovelace Court. A fourth suspect fled. A black pellet gun was recovered as well as several items stolen from the victims.
The suspects were charged with armed robbery, attempt armed robbery, first-degree assault and theft. Groves was charged as an adult. All of the suspects were remanded to the Charles County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing.